Mozambicans arrested and deported in raids in South Africa, return home

MAPUTO, Mozambique – More than 400 Mozambicans have returned home after being deported from neighboring South Africa.

Some of the returned Mozambicans said on Saturday that they were arrested and taken to a detention center when they were found in South Africa without proper documents.

Mozambique's Foreign and Cooperation Minister, Oldemiro Baloi said his government was surprised by the deportations. The deportations come weeks after anti-foreigner attacks in South Africa in which seven people were killed, including at least one Mozambican.

While South African officials condemned the violence, they have also sought to address complaints that immigrants living in the country illegally are taking employment opportunities that should go to South Africans.

South African authorities said that in nationwide raids they have arrested about 750 immigrants staying in the country illegally.